Cricinfo turns its focus to the smaller nations and Associates

Johnston rallies his troops

Trent Johnston, Ireland's captain, has challenged his young squad to produce the goods against the might of India who they face in a one-dayer on Saturday at Stormont, Belfast

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Trent Johnston, Ireland's captain, has challenged his young squad to produce the goods against the might of India who they face in a one-dayer on Saturday at Stormont, Belfast.

Only seven members of the squad which beat Pakistan to reach the Super Eights of the World Cup remain, but Johnston insists that - in spite of being in a phase of regeneration, not to mention beset by injuries - they can still challenge India.

Ireland are definitely not the same team they were in the world cup but hopefully Trent Johnson and the rest of the players who played in West Indies will lead from the front.

Pete
on June 22, 2007, 22:24 GMT

Ireland deserve the ICC backing Zimbabwe get. With those funds and the passion of the players at the core of Ireland's cricket - no matter their accent - they are only 10 years behind Bangladesh, a team about to burst its "minnow" label.
It's series like these that Ireland are playing for the future of their country's cricket. Good luck to em, hope they fire up.

Subramanyam Chittivelu
on June 22, 2007, 22:13 GMT

Ireland is a team in formation, it has proven its merit to the other cricket playing nations. India is a strong team, to get a win against Ireland the game plan should be playing without any fear or anxiety. Any one of these elements can lead to failure. Now both Ireland and India is playing with young players, win is going to be with those who are mentally tough.

CP
on June 22, 2007, 15:52 GMT

If Ireland do manage India, it could be a really confidence booster for them and may help in spreading the game. However with all the injuries I really doubt Ireland may be able to do that.

Michael Ballard
on June 22, 2007, 13:25 GMT

It is great that Ireland have turned to the youth. As long as Gary Wilson and Gary Kidd are given a game, it will all be worth while. The talent Ireland has throughout their youth should not be under-estimated.

Unown man
on June 22, 2007, 23:09 GMT

Ireland are definitely not the same team they were in the world cup but hopefully Trent Johnson and the rest of the players who played in West Indies will lead from the front.

Pete
on June 22, 2007, 22:24 GMT

Ireland deserve the ICC backing Zimbabwe get. With those funds and the passion of the players at the core of Ireland's cricket - no matter their accent - they are only 10 years behind Bangladesh, a team about to burst its "minnow" label.
It's series like these that Ireland are playing for the future of their country's cricket. Good luck to em, hope they fire up.

Subramanyam Chittivelu
on June 22, 2007, 22:13 GMT

Ireland is a team in formation, it has proven its merit to the other cricket playing nations. India is a strong team, to get a win against Ireland the game plan should be playing without any fear or anxiety. Any one of these elements can lead to failure. Now both Ireland and India is playing with young players, win is going to be with those who are mentally tough.

CP
on June 22, 2007, 15:52 GMT

If Ireland do manage India, it could be a really confidence booster for them and may help in spreading the game. However with all the injuries I really doubt Ireland may be able to do that.

Michael Ballard
on June 22, 2007, 13:25 GMT

It is great that Ireland have turned to the youth. As long as Gary Wilson and Gary Kidd are given a game, it will all be worth while. The talent Ireland has throughout their youth should not be under-estimated.

No featured comments at the moment.

Michael Ballard
on June 22, 2007, 13:25 GMT

It is great that Ireland have turned to the youth. As long as Gary Wilson and Gary Kidd are given a game, it will all be worth while. The talent Ireland has throughout their youth should not be under-estimated.

CP
on June 22, 2007, 15:52 GMT

If Ireland do manage India, it could be a really confidence booster for them and may help in spreading the game. However with all the injuries I really doubt Ireland may be able to do that.

Subramanyam Chittivelu
on June 22, 2007, 22:13 GMT

Ireland is a team in formation, it has proven its merit to the other cricket playing nations. India is a strong team, to get a win against Ireland the game plan should be playing without any fear or anxiety. Any one of these elements can lead to failure. Now both Ireland and India is playing with young players, win is going to be with those who are mentally tough.

Pete
on June 22, 2007, 22:24 GMT

Ireland deserve the ICC backing Zimbabwe get. With those funds and the passion of the players at the core of Ireland's cricket - no matter their accent - they are only 10 years behind Bangladesh, a team about to burst its "minnow" label.
It's series like these that Ireland are playing for the future of their country's cricket. Good luck to em, hope they fire up.

Unown man
on June 22, 2007, 23:09 GMT

Ireland are definitely not the same team they were in the world cup but hopefully Trent Johnson and the rest of the players who played in West Indies will lead from the front.